There’s no official Euro NCAP crash rating for the Europa but unlike older Lotus models it comes with two airbags and anti-lock brakes as standard. However, there is no traction control system available – even as an option.

The sills may be narrower and the roof higher, but the Europa is no easier to get in or out of than the Elise, especially in a tight car park where you can’t fully open the door. The boot isn’t bad with 154 litres of luggage room – around the same as a Mazda MX-5. It’s pretty deep and square so will cope with a week’s food shopping for two or even holiday luggage at a squeeze.

Inside there are numerous little storage areas including a small leather mobile phone holder and a long velcro flap to hold various objects in place. There’s also a small net behind the seats and a few document pockets, but no glovebox as such.